January 2012 Review
Crinken Church Review Notes
Dear Friends
At our recent Church weekend away our theme was connections. We looked at how we need to be connected to Jesus, to each other and to the community. The passage we majored on was from John chapter fifteen where Jesus states “I am the true Vine”. The words remain and fruit kept coming up several times in the chapter. As we begin a New Year let us keep verse five of John chapter fifteen foremost in our minds in everything we do throughout this year of 2012. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”
A very happy and blessed 2012 to all our readers.
Trevor Stevenson
Church Weekend Away
On Friday evening November 25th the outside of Avoca Manor was like a bustling holiday camp as the Crinken family ascended the long winding driveway up to the house for our church weekend away. It was with much excitement and anticipation that one hundred and thirty brothers and sisters of all ages, 8 to 80 and even younger (and older!), arrived at the manor for a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, praise and family fun. Scripture Union’s Avoca Manor had recently undergone a significant refurbishment with wonderful new facilities and accommodation. Children and young families played games as some relaxed in the manor over tea and coffee. The first evening ended with Trevor Stevenson leading an inspiring and entertaining “on the couch” interview with fellow church members David and Pamela Wilson of Agape. Crinken youth and children’s leaders Neil and Chloe had extensive programmes for the younger members of our church family. Saturday we had some wonderful teaching, and explored our church’s future mission and purpose. Over the weekend children played in many of the outdoor adventure attractions while some folk went for various walks exploring the extensive grounds, visited Avoca hand weavers and generally enjoyed a relaxed time socialising. There was a lovely sense of connection across the generations. The children, the young, the not as young but thought they were, and the young at heart, made all manner of wonderful newspaper hats for Saturday’s dinner. After the delicious meal more all age games followed. The sense of relaxed togetherness and church family was a blessing. Trevor undertook another “on the couch” interview with newly engaged Crinken couple, “Jonathan and Chloe”. The evening finished with a screening of the challenging but inspiring movie “58” which calls Christians to fight against global poverty and injustice. A late night tea and coffee chat by the fire was enjoyed before the house retired for the night.
On Sunday morning with great sadness and love for the Stevenson family we heard the news that our dear sister Elsie Stevenson had passed away during the night in hospital with her family by her side, but also with joy in the knowledge that she had gone on ahead to be with her Lord and Saviour. In life Elsie had “walked the walk” and radiated the love of our Saviour. As David Wilson preached later that morning in Avoca Manor on “Fruit of the Vine”, and the children of our church family read the scriptures, one could not but help feeling, here IS the fruit of a life lived faithfully in Christ, it was a palpable living testimony.
The church weekend had been a blessing, a time of fellowship and friendship, of fun, praise, learning and thanksgiving. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who organised a memorable weekend. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13
Elsie Stevenson – In gratitude
At least one definition of loss is defined as “the state of being deprived of or of being without something that one has had: the loss of old friends”.
As usual words appear to be a clumsy vehicle in attempting to express that sense of loss we experienced at the passing of Elsie on 27th November. She was the longest serving member of Crinken and very much the heartbeat of the congregation. Her welcoming disposition was legendary and many a fine Sunday lunch did this scribe and many others enjoy at her dinner table. Involved as she was in Bowls, Young @ Heart and many other activities in Crinken her legacy is not primarily one of duty but of faith.
Her belief in a living Saviour was strong, unequivocal and undiluted by the transitory fashion of the day. She was forthright in her beliefs and age and sickness did not deter this enthusiasm as many Blackrock Clinic staff members can testify.
And indeed it is that knowledge of her faith that will bring so much comfort to her sons David and Trevor (our rector) and daughter (Rosalind) and their families. This loss is not without pain and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remain in our prayers.
We miss Elsie; we miss her hugs, her warmth, her love. We are grateful for her life, for her example and for the knowledge that she is now rejoicing with her maker whom she loved so much and honoured with her life.
Young@Heart
Saturday 3 December, around 30 of our Young@Heart group and friends gathered in the hall for our annual Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! It was a great opportunity to catch with friends and judging by the conversation level there was plenty to talk about! The evening ended with music and singing from Scott Slate along with Kate Buggy & Ray Eakins.
Sincere thanks to all those who made the evening possible.
Congratulations
Congratulations and best wishes go to Kieron and Esther on the birth of a Jonah Samuel, Saturday 26 November, a baby brother for Finn.
Congratulations also go to Bas & Glynis on becoming Grandparents for the first time, and to Eddie & Marjorie on becoming Great Grandparents following the birth of Sam to Heidi and Omar. We celebrate the birth of new life with these our friends.
Posted by Admin on 01/01 at 10:00 AM
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